Asia and the Pacific

Shimokitazawa, TokyoThe trendiest neighbourhood in Tokyo, Shimokitazawa is where Japan’s hipsters want to live. A maze of narrow alleys and twisting streets, “Shimokita” as its known is popular for its theatres, restaurants and all out chill-out vibe, record shops a plenty and a great live music scene.

Wellington, New Zealand
One of the world’s coolest capital cities, vibrant as it is compact, Wellington has more cafes, bars and restaurants per head than New York City seemingly. Enjoy locally-made craft beer along Courtenay Place or browse the off-beat shops of Cuba Street. For the truly bizarre, check out the squid exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.

Tiong Bahru, Singapore
Spend a lazy weekend chilling out at the hipster heaven of Tiong Bahru (TB). Singapore’s oldest housing estate is a contrast of old and new: coffee bars, bookstores, and lifestyle shops share space with mom-and-pop stores from the 1940s and a traditional wet market. Wander around the historic pre-war apartments, with their round balconies and spiral staircases before popping into one of TB’s uber-cool coffee bars.

Haji Lane, Singapore
In the past few years the district has filled with fashion boutiques and blog shops run by up and coming designers, live music bars, sisha cafes and tiny record shops dedicated to alternative music. It’s a great place to people-watch, with many trendy hipsters taking photos for their fashion blogs or Instagram accounts there.

Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
More laidback, Sheung Wan seems a world away from the relentless bustle of downtown Hong Kong. Browse the knick-knacks and antiques on Hollywood Road, stroll through colourful traditional medicine shops, or hang out with creative types at the independent boutiques and restaurants.

Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea
Hongdae buzzes with cutting-edge fashion, urban art and indie music. Exciting during the day, it’s even more alive in the evenings when students from the nearby universities converge to shop, eat, and party.

Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hoan Kiem Lake and the labyrinth of streets around it form Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Here you’ll find French Colonial architecture and Parisian-style cafes, boutiques specialising in original fashion, jewellery and furniture, and old-fashioned shops selling traditional crafts and trinkets. For the nightlife, join the locals at the rooftop bars and street-side watering holes well into the early hours.

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Ari, Bangkok
Up-and-coming, this charming neighbourhood is an undisputed destination for both cheap fantastic street food and more chic restaurants.

Ximending, Taipei
Ximending is a favourite of Taipei’s young and fashionable. Here you’ll find everything from subcultures and shopping, to themed restaurants and tattoo parlours. Catch a week-end street performance, album launch, or indie concert.

Gulou, Beijing
In the middle of Beijing is Gulou, a charming old neighbourhood with narrow alleys and historic hutongs. Something of an oasis now in the Chinese capital, these traditional courtyard houses have been preserved and converted into funky restaurants, independent shops and cocktail bars appealing to a new generation of stylish young Chinese.

Bandra, Mumbai
Bandra offers a welcome break from the fast-paced life of Mumbai life. A well-known shopping haven and foodies’ paradise, Bandra has become the epitome of urban cool, made even trendier by the many Bollywood stars who live along its seafront. Explore the narrow streets by foot or tuktuk, and head to the Pali Market to haggle over the latest in fashion.

Maginhawa Street, Manila
Maginhawa Street is the Manila hipster’s new kid on the block. Also known as “Eat Street”, the area is packed with a wide range of restaurants and cuisines. Bookay-Ukay is the place for inexpensive second-hand books for the book-lovers amongst you.

Section 17, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur
Almost under the radar, this unassuming neighbourhood has become home to a collection of charming new eateries. Grab a coffee and play some board games at the Pitstop Café, before catching some stand-up comedy or local music acts at PJ Live Arts.

Panglima Polim, Jakarta
With its cool cafes, vibrant street art, beautiful homes and wide tree-lined streets, Panglima Polim is Jakarta’s ideal hipster hangout. Located a short jaunt from Little Tokyo and nearby Blok M, it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.